What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of more than 100 different diseases characterized by swelling and tenderness in the joints throughout your body. Without proper treatment, arthritis can affect your mobility and prevent you from participating in routine tasks such as going to work or walking the dog.
Though there’s no cure for arthritis, there are a variety of treatments that can prevent inflammation and improve your overall quality of life.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The most common symptoms of arthritis affect the joints. Telltale signs of arthritis include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Limited mobility
If you have arthritis, you might also notice that the skin around your affected joint appears red or warm to the touch.
Who is at risk of arthritis?
Arthritis affects people of all ages, from children to adults. However, certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Having a family history of arthritis
- Suffering a previous joint injury
- Being obese
Your gender also plays a role. For example, women are more likely to experience rheumatoid arthritis, while men are more likely to experience gout.
Am I a good candidate for arthritis treatment?
Only a qualified medical professional like Dr. Tamai can determine if you’re a candidate for arthritis treatment. If you’re living with arthritis, and your pain doesn’t respond to conservative measures of care such as over-the-counter painkillers, ice, and rest, you can probably benefit.
Following a physical exam, review of your medical history, and a discussion of your symptoms and goals for treatment, Dr. Tamai develops a care plan that aligns with your individual needs.
Are there different types of arthritis treatment?
Whenever possible, Dr. Tamai recommends conservative, noninvasive methods of arthritis treatment. Depending on your symptoms and the type of arthritis you have, he might prescribe medications such as counterirritants or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
If your pain persists, you might benefit from corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections. These minimally invasive treatments ease inflammation and encourage joint movement. If you have a severe case of arthritis, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Don’t let arthritis affect your mobility or quality of life. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tamai at Orthopaedic Surgical Associates, LLC, call the office or book online today.
